Brian May revealed he suffered a stroke, attributing the health scare as a “wake-up call” that prompted lifestyle changes. the Queen guitarist, 75, shared the news in a statement posted to social media on Monday, detailing a recent hospital visit and ongoing recovery.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of even the most iconic performers and highlights the importance of proactive health management. May’s update comes after a period of public appearances, including a collaboration with Benson Boone at Coachella earlier this year that drew mixed reactions from the younger festival crowd. While Queen remains immensely popular – named the UK’s most-played rock act of the 21st century in October – May’s health challenges raise questions about the band’s future plans, including potential performances at venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas and the status of new music recorded with Adam Lambert.
May explained he was hospitalized earlier this year after experiencing chest pain. Subsequent tests revealed a compressed spinal cord and a stroke. “I was incredibly lucky to get through with minimal damage,” he wrote, adding that he is now undergoing physiotherapy and making significant adjustments to his diet and exercise routine.
He detailed the impact of the health scare, stating, ”It was a very near thing. it’s been a wake-up call.” May emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention promptly and expressed gratitude for the care he received.
despite the setback, May indicated a continued commitment to music. he previously revealed in November that Queen had been working on new material with Adam Lambert, though the future of those recordings remains uncertain. ”Not many people know, but Adam and we have been in the studio trying things. Nothing really materialised so far. Some things are meant to be and some things are not,” he said at the time. He also expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of bringing a Queen show to The Sphere in Las Vegas, noting, ”I’m very keen on the Sphere. It’s got my mind working.”
